Archives July 2023

Inner Diva Awakening Retreat

Inner Diva Awakening Retreat

Hyderabad, 24th July 2023....The Ikigai Foundation is organising Inner Diva Awakening Retreat in the city at Anahad Eco Farms, in Vikarabad. It will be held from July 30th to August 1st, 2023

This retreat planned exclusively for women is a transformational space to help women discover their inner selves, release any limiting beliefs and begin the transformational journey to achieve their highest potential.

The trainers are Vasudha Jha, the founder of The Ikigai Foundation, an ICF (International Coaching Federation) Certified Life Coach with over three decades of corporate leadership experience.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.

ICF Credentials are awarded to professional coaches who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession.

The other trainers are Delhi-based Anupama Jha, a Delhi based Wellness and Life Coach who promotes the Well Being, Health and Emotional Stability of corporate employees, students, teachers and individuals through “A Course in Oneness (ACIO)” and Reshmma Gulati, ICF PCC Women Leadership Coach, Specialized in Leadership Communication and Mindfulness.

1000 techies to celebrate KTR’s birthday by saving lives

KTR’s birthday by saving lives

Hyderabad,24th July 2023.Over one thousand techies of IT Hub in Hyderabad, the IT Capital of India to celebrate the 47th birthday of IT Minister of Telangana, KT Rama Rao on 24th July at Divyashree NSL IT park Behind – Raidurgam Police Station, Khajaguda in Hyderabad.

The entire event is organised under the aegis of the Telangana Facilities Management Council (TFMC).

Giving details, Mr Satyanarayana Mathala, President of TFMC said nearly 10,000 employees work in the IT towers and we are expecting a minimum of 1000 techies to donate blood.

The camp will be held from 11.00 am to 5.30. We are organising this program under an initiative called “Gift a Smile”. The camp is organised in collaboration with the Red Cross. A total of 5 doctors with 40 nursing staff will support this initiative, Satya added.

It is a unique and purposeful celebration of a political leader, who transformed the IT Industry canvass in the last few years, Satya added.

Facilities Management is the professional service that supports the functionality, safety, and sustainability of buildings, grounds, infrastructure, and real estate. It is a great way for facilities management professionals and techies to celebrate a birthday by donating blood.

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components, Satya added.

It is a win-win for everyone. Many patients get benefitted from the birthday of a leader. It is a good way of celebrating a birthday he added

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate a birthday than by donating blood so that someone else can celebrate theirs in a similar fashion. This will help more people to come forward and donate blood voluntarily. We’ve created this Birthday Challenge so that no one should die for want of blood.

Everybody has it, everybody needs it. But not many are coming forward to donate blood.

Let people donate blood on the birthday/s of their favourite leaders so that a good amount of blood is available in blood banks. Every minute, second, someone somewhere needs blood, Satya shared

Kotak Mahindra Bank Standalone PAT for Q1FY24 ₹ 3,452 crore, up 67% YoY

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Bengaluru, 24th July 2023: The Board of Directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank (“the Bank”) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated results for the quarter that ended June 30, 2023, at the Board meeting held in Mumbai, today.

Kotak Mahindra Bank standalone results

The Bank’s PAT for Q1FY24 stood at ₹ 3,452 crore, up 67% YoY from ₹ 2,071 crore in Q1FY23.

Net Interest Income (NII) for Q1FY24 increased to ₹ 6,234 crore, from ₹ 4,697 crore in Q1FY23, up 33% YoY. Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 5.57% for Q1FY24.

Fees and services for Q1FY24 increased to ₹ 1,827 crore from ₹ 1,528 crore in Q1FY23, up 20% YoY.

Operating profit for Q1FY24 was ₹ 4,950 crore, up 78% YoY (Q1FY23: ₹ 2,783 crore).

Customers as at June 30, 2023 were 43.5 mn (34.5 mn as at June 30, 2022).

Advances (incl. IBPC & BRDS) increased 19% YoY to ₹ 3,37, 031 crore as at June 30, 2023 from ₹ 282,665 crore as at June 30, 2022. Customer Assets, which comprises Advances (incl. IBPC & BRDS) and Credit Substitutes, increased by 18% YoY to ₹ 3,62,204 crore as at June 30, 2023 from ₹ 3,06,123 crore as at June 30, 2022.

Unsecured retail advances (incl. Retail Micro Finance) as a % of net advances stood at 10.7% as at June 30, 2023. (7.9% as at June 30, 2022).

CASA ratio as at June 30, 2023 stood at 49.0%.

Average Current deposits grew to ₹ 59,431 crore for Q1FY24 compared to ₹ 55,081 crore for Q1FY23 up 8%. Average Savings deposits stood at ₹ 119,817 crore as at June 30, 2023 (₹ 121,521 crore as at June 30, 2022). Average Term deposit up 40% from ₹ 130,035 crore for Q1FY23 to ₹ 182,047 crore for Q1FY24.

ActivMoney was launched in Q1FY24 and TD sweep balance grew 24% QoQ (non-annualised) to ₹ 28,990 crore.

As at June 30, 2023, GNPA was 1.77% & NNPA was 0.40% (GNPA was 2.24% & NNPA was 0.62% at June 30, 2022). The provision coverage ratio stood at 78.0%.

Capital Adequacy Ratio of the Bank, as at June 30, 2023 was 22.0% and CET I ratio of 20.9% (including unaudited profits).

Consolidated results at a glance

Consolidated PAT for Q1FY24 was ₹ 4,150 crore, up 51% YoY from ₹ 2,755 crore in Q1FY23.

PAT of Bank and key subsidiaries given below:

PAT (₹ crore) Q1FY24 Q1FY23
Kotak Mahindra Bank 3,452 2,071
Kotak Securities 219 219
Kotak Mahindra Prime* 218 157
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance 193 248
Kotak Asset Management & Trustee Company 106 106
Kotak Mahindra Investments 102 63
BSS Microfinance 95 56
Kotak Mahindra Capital Company 55 51

* Kotak Mahindra Prime Q1FY23 PBT is lower by ₹ 101 crore on account of change in accounting policy with respect to brokerage cost

At the consolidated level, the Return on Assets (ROA) for Q1FY24 (annualized) was 2.63% (2.04% for Q1FY23). Return on Equity (ROE) for Q1FY24 (annualized) was 14.62% (11.22% for Q1FY23).

Consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio as per Basel III as at June 30, 2023 was 23.3% and CET I ratio was 22.3% (including unaudited profits).

Consolidated Capital and Reserves & Surplus as at June 30, 2023 was ₹ 1,16,500 crore (₹ 1,00,078 crore as at June 30, 2022). The Book Value per Share was ₹ 584.

Consolidated Customer Assets which comprises Advances (incl. IBPC & BRDS) and Credit Substitutes grew by 19% YoY from ₹ 3,39,606 crore as at June 30, 2022 to ₹ 4,05,775 crore as at June 30, 2023.

Total assets managed / advised by the Group as at June 30, 2023 were ₹ 4,66,878 crore up 23% YoY over

₹ 3,78,474 crore as at June 30, 2022. The Alternate Assets’ AUM (includes undrawn commitments, wherever applicable) increased by 90% YoY to ₹ 46,443 crore as at June 30, 2023.

 The financial statements of Indian subsidiaries (excluding insurance companies) and associates are prepared as per Indian Accounting Standards in accordance with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015. The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside India are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in their respective countries. However, for the purpose of preparation of the consolidated financial results, the results of subsidiaries and associates are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in India (‘GAAP’) specified under Section 133 and relevant provision of Companies Act, 2013.

 

IILM honours future business leaders and change agents at its MBA convocation ceremony 2023

IILM honours future business

Gurugram,24th July 2023Realising the exceptional achievements of its graduating MBA batch, IILM University, a distinguished institution dedicated to nurturing leaders and future change agents, proudly commemorated its MBA convocation ceremony 2023.

The expansive ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, eminent industry figures, respected faculty members, proud parents, and excited students who came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the graduating class.

The ceremony was also graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Deepak Bagla, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India, As the chief guest, Shri Bagla delivered an enlightening convocation address, inspiring the graduates with his profound insights and ample experience. His words echoed deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression on the future business leaders of IILM University.

‘’You are now at a critical inflection point in your life, a moment of transformation and boundless opportunities. Embrace the stories of the future, for they hold the key to your success. As you step into the world, carrying the burden of shaping the future, know that you are the architects of a rising superpower. The next 9000 days will define the destiny of India and each one of you plays a vital role in this journey. Embrace this moment with purpose and wisdom, for the world awaits your brilliance on its grand stage,” said Mr Deepak Bagla.

Adding to the event’s grandeur, Shri Rajeev Aggarwal, Senior Vice President at Deloitte, embellished the occasion as the esteemed Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker for the convocation. Shri Aggarwal’s impressive career trajectory and outstanding wisdom furnished valuable guidance to the graduating batch, empowering them to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with resilience and uncompromising ethical values.

“Today, we celebrate your academic achievements and recognize the transformations you’ve undergone. Embrace adaptability and resilience in the corporate world, for they will guide you through post-pandemic challenges and opportunities. As you step into the future, remember that your potential knows no bounds, and you have the power to shape a remarkable path ahead,” said Mr Rajeev Aggarwal.

Sharing her delight and congratulating the budding managers, Dr Sujata Shahi, Vice Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram, stated,’’ Dear Graduates, as you step into a world of uncertainties and rapid changes, remember that you are well-prepared with a strong foundation from IILM. Embrace your dreams fearlessly, for success may not always come easy, but failures will lead you to greater achievements. Be responsible global citizens, using your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. Believe in yourselves, stay focused, and remain humble as you embark on a journey of endless possibilities. Congratulations, Class of 2023.’’

Highlighting the commitment of IILM University in nurturing an industry ready force, Prof Arvind Chaturvedi, Director, School of Management, IILM University, Gurugram, said,’’ Today marks a special day, as these 118 graduates step into their first career assignments with the knowledge and skills we’ve imparted. Our commitment to adaptability and industry relevance ensures they are well-equipped for the corporate world. Proud of our illustrious faculty, strong alumni network, and industry collaboration, we nurture a talent pool that thrives in the face of challenges. Together, we pave the way for job-ready management graduates and uphold a tradition of excellence.’’

Echoing her views, Dr Charu Bansal, Dean and Associate Professor, IILM University, Gurugram, said ”As we stand at the threshold of the real world, I urge my beloved students, to remember the ABCs of life: Assertiveness, Behavior, and Change. Embrace your uniqueness, stay ethical and disciplined, and welcome the constant flow of change. With unwavering commitment and innovative thinking, you are unstoppable in achieving your dreams. Fly high and make your Alma Mater proud. Congratulations and best wishes for a fulfilling journey ahead.’’

In addition, the event celebrated the impressive academic performances of the meritorious students who consistently exhibited unparalleled dedication and excellence throughout the course.

In this regard, Dr. Kulwant Rai’s Gold Medal in Academics and Co-curricular Activities was awarded to Rimjhim Agarwal, recognizing her exceptional dedication and achievements in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Additionally, Zoya Parasher received the prestigious Dr. Kulwant Rai Gold Medal in Academic Excellence, acknowledging her outstanding academic achievements.

Dev Pratap Singh was honored with the esteemed Dr. Kulwant Rai Silver Certificate in Academics and co-curricular Activities, while Tanisha Gupta received the Dr. Kulwant Rai Silver Certificate in Academic Excellence, showcasing their commendable performances in academics and overall excellence. Shubhi Agrawal on the other hand was bestowed with the esteemed Dr Kulwant Rai Bronze Certificate in Academics and Co-curricular Activities, celebrating her efforts in both academic pursuits and co-curricular engagements.

The convocation ceremony celebrated the success of 118 students from the Gurugram campus, 54 students from the Lodhi Road campus, and 51 students from the Greater Noida campus, showcasing the diverse talent fostered by IILM University.

The ceremony underlined IILM’s commitment to fostering business trailblazers via a comprehensive and experiential education approach. The highly skilled faculty at IILM has assumed a crucial role in molding the students into versatile and accomplished professionals to flourish in their preferred domains.

Students of DPS Raj Nagar Extension Spread Awareness on Conservation of Environment

Students of DPS Raj Nagar Extension

The students of Class V at DPS Raj Nagar Extension showcased their dedication towards environmental conservation by staging a special assembly centered around the significance and preservation of forests. The assembly aimed to foster in the young minds an insight into the importance of forests in maintaining a sustainable environment and ensuring human well-being.

The assembly commenced with a serene prayer followed by a thought-provoking quote, setting the tone for the value of trees in our lives. The students, acting as budding journalists, then presented news headlines highlighting the current state of our environment and the increasing need for forest conservation. Through captivating presentations and engaging storytelling, the children enlightened the audience about the historical significance of ‘Van Mahotsava’ and how it has been celebrated across cultures. The highlight of the assembly was an impactful presentation that illustrated the essentiality of greenery in human life and envisioned the potential consequences if steps are not taken now to preserve them.

“We are immensely proud of our students for their commendable efforts to highlight the ardent need of forest conservation through this special assembly. We not only believe in nurturing academic excellence but also in developing a deep sense of responsibility towards Mother Earth. This assembly instilled in our students a love for nature and a profound understanding of the importance of trees. We hope this awareness will inspire them to become the ambassadors of environmental conservation and positively impact the world,” quoted Ms. Pallavi Upadhyaya, Principal, DPS Raj Nagar Extension.

Head to Novotel Pune for an Awadhi Feast

Head to Novotel Pune

The Novotel Pune is all set to take you on a gastronomic sojourn to the land of Nawabs and Awadhi cuisine This ten-day food festival, will take you back to the rich Awadhi flavors that once enticed the taste buds of Mughals and Nawabs. The chef will display heavenly culinary delights across vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus offering delectable starters, main courses and mouth-watering desserts which will elevate you with their aroma and sense of taste.

The festival will feature Sufiyana murgh tikka, Patthar ka gosht, Bharwaan malai soya chaap, Makhana pulao, Nargisi kofte, Kathal ke kebab, Nizami murgh Sheermal, Taptan and much more….

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the culinary expertise of Chef Jahangir at the Awadhi Food Festival at The Square!

Where: The Square, Novotel Pune

When: 21st – 30th July 2023, 7:30 P.M onwards

Price: INR 1549 ++

IIIT-Hyderabad Celebrates 22nd Convocation 2023

IIIT-Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 24th July 2023…..: International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) conducted its 22nd convocation and graduated 519 students and a record number of 25 PhDs and 195 Masters with a thesis.

Over 37.5% of today’s graduates – 195 out of 519 – earned their degree based on a high-quality thesis. Graduates of IIITH’s Dual-Degree, Master of Science, and Ph.D. programs continue to make their mark in top universities and product groups globally.

Pratyanshu Pandey, B.Tech Computer Science, and Engineering (CSE) were awarded the IIITH gold medal in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. Kandala Savitha Viswanadh (Dual Degree in ECE) was awarded Best All-rounder for his notable contributions to academics, extracurricular activities and IIITH services.

A total number of 131 companies registered for placements; 95 companies conducted interviews.

Nobel Laureate Mr Kailash Satarthi was the Chief Guest. Gave away convocation certificates, and medals.

Delivering his convocation address Mr Kailash Satyarthi asked his audience why don’t they globalise compassion. When we globalize everything, it is also the time for globalizing compassion, he said.

Convocation is the day to remember not because you have graduated. It is the day of gratitude. It is the day to say thank you to all those who brought you here—your parents, teachers, relatives, plumbers and carpenters, and all those involved in your life. It is the day to remember all of those, he told the students.

When you are stepping out of the college now and entering into a competitive world, leave all your inhibitions, worries, and fears and step into the world with confidence, Mr Satyarthi added.

Don’t chase packages, don’t go beyond packages, Mr Kailash Satyarthi advised students

Engineers mean problem solvers he said

He gave four pillars of humanity namely people, planet, prosperity and peace. Use technology to save the planet, he told them. Inner peace is essential, he added.

Mental health is ravaging society. It is not an illness. It is growing like wildfire. WHO (World Health Organisation) says about one trillion US dollars is spent on it. 89 million die of depression, he said. If half of that is spent on education, health care and other related areas we would not reach such a mental health condition, he said.

I strongly advocate globalizing compassion. We need compassionate people from all walks of life. We need compassionate political leaders.

Commending the graduating students, Prof. P J Narayanan, Director, IIITH said, “The graduating students of 2023 are joining the professional world formally today, out to chart their own paths in this increasingly competitive and complicated world. I am confident you possess highly useful skills in your area and immense creativity to apply those to different problems. Above all, I urge you to travel your life’s journey with deep concern and caring toward the society around you. We expect the best from you in the coming years and are confident you will exceed our expectations”.

Convocation speaker Shri Kailash Satyarthi, social reformer and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 congratulated the graduating students and wished them well for their future endeavours.

Turing award winner Prof. Raj Reddy, Chairman, Governing Council of IIIT-Hyderabad admitted students to their degrees and congratulated the graduating students.

The Convocation is viewable at https://youtube.com/live/9lmEM31pkow?feature=share

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR

– The graduating batch consists of 519 students (B.Tech – 81; B.Tech Honours – 72; Dual Degree – 102; Master of Science by Research – 68; M.Tech – 131; Ph.D. – 25 and MSIT – 40).

– Nine new regular faculty members joined IIITH in the past year, and seven existing faculty were promoted. Several subject matter experts from the industry are engaged with teaching and research at the institute. We have 14 of them today.

– The team of faculty, research students, research staff, and undergraduate students produced about 595 papers in the top journals and conferences in the calendar year 2022. In all, 25 of our Ph.D. students have external competitive fellowships from TCS, IHub Data, Govt, IIT Palakad, etc. and several more students qualified for CSIR and UGC grants.

– IIITH’s executive education programs are being delivered in a hybrid model and have produced over 4,000 professionals in about four years. Currently, the 21st batch of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI&ML) program; Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (currently 8th batch) in collaboration with Talent Sprint are in place. This joint initiative was rated as one of the best in the country, being recommended by NASSCOM. A similar program in Software Engineering for Data Science (currently 5th batch) has also seen much traction in the past year.

– The alumni have raised about INR 2.2 crore and provided financial assistance to deserving students on a pay-forward model. Last year alone, 61 lakhs were raised to support 62 students (37 UG + 25 PG) of which 33 have repaid. Currently, the fund is supporting 20 students.

U-17 Boys’ Football Tournament: CISCE to host National Pre-Subroto Cup 2023

Kolkata,24th July 2023 The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is hosting the highly anticipated National Pre-Subroto Cup 2023 in the U-17 Boys category. The tournament will be held at Newtown Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) Football Ground in Rajarhat, Kolkata, from 23rd to 27th July 2023, with the opening ceremony commencing at 5 p.m.

National Pre-Subroto Cup 2023 will witness the participation of 11 enthusiastic teams from different regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Bihar & Jharkhand, Gujarat & Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra & Goa, North India, Odissa, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand, and West Bengal & North East. This esteemed competition will not only showcase the immense footballing talent within our country but also foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participants.

Shri Manoj Tiwari, the esteemed Minister of State for the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal, is slated to grace the opening ceremony of the event with his presence as the Chief Guest. The honourable Chairman of CISCE, Dr. G. Immanuel, will be the Guest of Honour. His unwavering support and vision have been instrumental in bringing together this prestigious football tournament.

Mr. Gerry Arathoon, the Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE said, “The National Pre-Subroto Cup provides a wonderful platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal, for their unwavering support in making this event possible. This tournament will not only foster healthy competition but also nurture sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participants. I extend my best wishes to all the teams and hope this championship will be a memorable experience for all the participants.”

Heartfulness in association with Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and G20 brings holistic transformation of over 1500 youth at Y20 Summit

Heartfulness in association

Hyderabad, 24th July 2023: Heartfulness in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and G20 hosted a Y20 Summit at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The summit was attended by over 1200 youth from around the world from graduates to working youth under the age of 35 apart from a delegation of 14 from the Y20 Secretariat. Mr. Anmol Sovit – Y20 Chair; Dr. M Srinivas – Director, AIIMS, New Delhi (who joined the summit virtually) and Shri Pankaj Singh – Director, NSS, Govt. of India were the key dignitaries along with Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and Padma Bhushan Awardee.

The summit also included noted panelists Ms. Neeti Goel – Renowned Restaurateur/philanthropist / social activist; Mr. Swayam Srivastava – Renowned Motivational poet; Mr. Himadrish Suwan – Chairperson confederation of young leaders, Winner of Global young achiever’s Award. Founder of “Mission -E-Safai” a youth-led public campaign inspired by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan; Mr. Vikrant Gharat – Motivational Speaker, Author; Mr. Kunal Tilak – Track Chair, Y20 Secretariat and Great-great-grandson of Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak; Ms. Ayonika Paul OLY, Olympian, Commonwealth Games World Cup Medalist in Sport of Rifle Shooting; and Ms. Manasi Girishchandra Joshi, Para-Badminton Olympian in the women’s singles SL3 category. The summit saw a closure through a musical finale by triple Grammy winner Ricky Kej.

Mr. M. Srinivas – Director, AIIMS, New Delhi who joined the summit virtually said, “Unlocking the inner potential is key to a better future. Self-awareness, focus, and resilience are some of the many outcomes of meditation. Today the youth are facing distractions, demands, stress, social media addiction, peer pressure etc. Meditation empowers, unlocks inner potential, brings greater resilience, enhanced knowledge and retention, attention span, memory, and better sleep, relieves stress, brings compassion, improves psychological state and intuition; and alters negative mentality. Evidence-based meditation has seen an explosion of medical data and helps the youth in a reaction that is opposite to flight and fight response. There is a favorable heart rate, oxygen metabolism, and galvanic skin resistance among other biological changes. Students perform well in academics and sports as well.”

Ms. Manasi Girishchandra Joshi, Para Badminton Olympian and former world champion in the women’s singles SL3 category said, “I am extremely grateful to be alive and speaking here. There is a possibility to change things in life – including the surroundings – there is nothing to regret. We can deal with whatever happens in our life. In life we might face circumstances we are not prepared for, but time allows you to understand the situation and strength. Everything will be fine with hundred percent effort. It’s very simple to lead which we can show in simple things in life as helping the person beside you. Find your own passion.”

Mr. Anmol Sovit – Y20 Chair said, “In this golden era of India, it is the youth who will contribute to the development of the country. Our purpose will be served with the youth transforming themselves by exchange of ideas, panel discussions and the holistic wellness training at Kanha Shanti Vanam. When they go back to their homes, they will have come back with bigger views on life with much more balance and focus. We are very happy that The Ministry of Culture’s unrelenting support and Heartfulness for hosting and training our youth for the larger good.”

Ms. Ayonika Paul OLY, Olympian, Commonwealth Games and World Cup Medalist in Sport of Rifle Shooting said, “Rev. Daaji has set so many milestones which we forget we should achieve within us. Many times, physical goals are visible, internal goals are not. In the long run it is the inner goals that need to be addressed. I always think that I must put in my best efforts. Find your own purpose in life. Give your cent percent in all that you do. The people around us will feel the same positivity that you radiate.”

Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and Padma Bhushan Awardee said, “Youth are the backbone of the future of our country. They are the harbinger of bringing peace and equanimity. India is the spiritual centre of the world, and Heartfulness is making the means very accessible through simple methods. It is interesting to note the passion the youth are showing towards holistic wellness and trying to be one step ahead when it comes to being better and balanced individuals. I am very happy that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; and G20 have joined hands with us in bringing about this event and uniting our youth in the same spirit. Intuition is a faculty that has not been understood well so far. But meditation helps us in becoming intuitive. We are also very happy that AIIMS, New Delhi is working on identifying the region of the brain that brings intuitive awareness and certainly that will be helpful to us as evidence-based mechanism.”

The event had panel discussions on physical, emotional/ mental, and spiritual wellness. Every panel member began with his/her success story in a few lines. Panel 1 themed on physical well-being was centered around Nutrition, Diet, Eating Habits, and Body clock; Physical Exercise, Fitness, Sports, and Yoga; motivating youth to focus on physical health and well-being; facing failures and success; and Yoga and Meditation to achieve excellence. Panel 2 (Mental/Emotional Well-Being) emphasizes on Managing pressure, stress, anxiety, burnout; the Importance of Meditation, Discipline, and Routine; Interpersonal skills, Working as a team, relationships with colleagues; How to develop Will power and grit, and perseverance; How to handle Peer pressure and society expectations; Suicide Prevention. Panel 3 on Holistic Approach aimed at Character Formation, Designing Destiny, Preventive measures for substance abuse and addictions; and the role of Yoga and Meditation on holistic wellbeing.

The School of Law at GD Goenka University inaugurates a new state-of-the- art facility on campus, the Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall

The School of Law

Gurugram, 24th July 2023 The School of Law at GD Goenka University proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art new facility, the Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall, in a grand ceremony held on the university campus today.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the former Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipak Mishra, along with distinguished guests, Senior Adv. (Dr.) Ms. Pinky Anand, Cyber Law expert, Adv. (Dr.) Pavan Duggal, and Mr. A.C Kher, Former DIG (Prison, Tihar Jail) and AOR, Supreme Court of India. The ceremony was directed by Mrs. Renu Goenka, Hon’ble Chancellor, GD Goenka University.

The Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall stands as a testament to the School of Law’s commitment to excellence in legal education and provides a remarkable platform for law aspirants to hone their skills for the future of law. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a spacious seating capacity of 200 students and is equipped with cutting-edge amenities. The hall has been meticulously designed to replicate an authentic judicial environment, fostering a conducive atmosphere for undergraduate students to prepare, practice, and present for moot court competitions.

One of the highlights of the School of Law’s academic calendar is the annual International Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ClArb) Moot Competition, which will now find its prestigious home in the Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall. Additionally, the hall will also host various national moot court competitions, reaffirming its position as an essential cornerstone of the institution’s flagship events.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipak Mishra expressed his admiration for the growing demand for the legal profession in India and commended the School of Law at GD Goenka University for its pivotal role in shaping the professional identity of law students through engaging activity-based learning. He further emphasized that the newly constructed moot court hall would undoubtedly serve as an inspiration and a driving force for students to excel in their legal careers.

The Group Managing Director, Mr. Nipun Goenka remarked: “The School of Law at GD Goenka University has always been at the forefront of providing a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment, preparing students to become competent and socially responsible legal professionals. The addition of the Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall is yet another step in this direction, providing students with unparalleled resources and opportunities for their academic and professional growth.”

Prof. (Dr.) Azimkhan B. Pathan, Professor and Head, School of Law, GD Goenka University expressed his confidence in the profound impact the new facility would have on the students’ educational journey. “I am confident that our students will immensely benefit from this new Moot Court Hall. It will serve as a hub of experiential learning and practical training, empowering our aspiring lawyers to develop the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their legal careers.”

The management, faculty, and students of GD Goenka University extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries who graced the momentous occasion and helped make the inauguration of the Gopi Ram Goenka Moot Court Hall a resounding success.